Dale Earnhardt Jr's 2nd Gen Camaro [Archive]

XcYZ

07-06-2007, 09:22 AM

Mooresville, NC - While Dale Earnhardt Jr. tries to win the USG Sheetrock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway the weekend of July 13-15, his freshly-built 1972 Camaro will try to win the Goodguys 2007 Street Machine of the Year award presented by Air Ride Technologies. The talented crew at Detroit Speed and Engineering built Earnhardt Jr’s “Bitchin’ Camaro” and recently announced it will make its official debut at the Goodguys 10th PPG Nationals in Columbus, OH. Don’t miss your chance to be one of the first to see the car unveiled Friday morning, July 13th at the Detroit Speed & Engineering booth.

The car was built from the ground up this past winter and spring at DSE. The Camaro was brought into their North Carolina shop as a complete vehicle. It was stripped, media blasted it, and completely overhauled including all the body work. The object of this build was to complete the vehicle with a vintage Trans Am road race look while still remaining all business and pure function.

Features include DSE’s new 2nd Generation Hydroformed Subframe, DSE’s 2nd Generation QUADRA Link,™ with 2nd Generation Mini-Tubs. Also included are Subframe Connectors, a customized Roll Cage, and a custom T-56 crossmember. For cooling the car features a Be Cool radiator with Stewart electric fans with a DSE custom shroud. The engine is a GM LS2 engine with a T-56 6-speed transmission that rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires and custom two tone wheels.

Don’t miss the unveiling of Little E’s new super car Friday morning, July 13th at the Detroit Speed and Engineering Booth. The booth is located on the main vendor midway right in front of the Bricker Building.

For more information on Detroit Speed and Engineering, visit www.detroitspeed.com

http://www.lateral-g.org/jr.JPG

ryan2

07-06-2007, 09:45 AM

um...nicest car I've ever seen. Rates a 12 on a 1-10. Or course, it would rate a 45 if it was black/grey and had an LS7 vs. the LS2.

wiedemab

07-06-2007, 09:49 AM

I can't wait to see this thing in person.

I didn't notice at first, but it has the RS front end (round parking lights), RS bumpers, but they used the standard grill, not the RS grill with the urethane nose piece - I like it! I've always liked 2nd Gen Camaros. I think this car takes 2nd Gens to a new level. I can't wait to see it in person at Columbus. I'm considering getting up at the crack of dawn to be there first thing Friday for the unveiling.

Awesome car! The fact that it is every bit as functional as it is beautiful makes it even cooler!

Later,

Brandon

Sales@Dutchboys

07-06-2007, 09:55 AM

The car is sweet, My dad was down their for about 8 weeks doing the body and paint work on it, the amount of fab work on this car is crazy. they now have Dan Holahan from troys place working down their now.

Those vents are brake ducts...very cool

Paul VanNus

ArisESQ

07-06-2007, 09:57 AM

thats a very VERY nice 2nd gen. makes me want one :cool:

Speedster

07-06-2007, 10:03 AM

PT is definitely gaining popularity... Cool Stuff.
Nice ride.

Stang's Bane

07-06-2007, 10:08 AM

WOW!! I think we have discussed doing one of these before, right Scott!!:yes:

Gorgeous car, simply breathtaking!!!!:D

Stuart Adams

07-06-2007, 10:09 AM

Awesome. Looking forward to seeing it in person.

CRCRFT78

07-06-2007, 10:26 AM

Are both sets of parkiling lights just that, lights, or are the bottom ones cooling ducts for the brakes or air intake for the motor. I like that idea.

ironworks

07-06-2007, 10:47 AM

wiedemab

07-06-2007, 10:55 AM

I didn't realize those were brake ducts - that's pretty sweet. They keep adding talent to their shop too. They seem to be growing like crazy. That's awesome.

It's now my new background on my work computer. Whenever I get bogged down in work - I'll just look at it and think happy thoughts
:)

Hopefully some of us will be able to get together at Columbus and put some faces to the usernames! - share some drooling moments over cars like this one.

:cheers:

Rubes

07-06-2007, 11:12 AM

...share some drooling moments over cars like this one.
:cheers:
Drool on it a little for me, would ya Brandon. I don't think I'm gonna make it, never did get a room.

Rubes

radrambler

07-06-2007, 04:56 PM

dse

some of the nicest people in the industry..1st class work .
very cool that junior had them do this car....and they didnt post it on their website or tell anyone ..?
CAR LOOKS GREAT....id drive it...:cool:

radrambler

XcYZ

07-06-2007, 05:07 PM

Derek69SS

07-06-2007, 05:30 PM

I didn't notice at first, but it has the RS front end (round parking lights), RS bumpers, but they used the standard grill, not the RS grill with the urethane nose piece - I like it!Looks like a standard nose with RS park lights grafted on... the nose doesn't stick out like the RS's do.

Hard to believe Dale Jr. couldn't afford a real RS nose. :rofl:

ron w

07-06-2007, 05:31 PM

I was lucky enough to see the car a few weeks ago coming home from Atlanta, the car is amazing. Might be this year's smoy winner

Bandit Ls-1

07-06-2007, 07:31 PM

very nice car, i absolutly love the color combo

asaenz

07-06-2007, 08:01 PM

Wow! that is awesome:yes:

Sales@Dutchboys

07-06-2007, 08:17 PM

The car has been a secret - more or less - for a few months now. Some of our members were in the loop, like Paul, as his Dad painted it. And did an AWESOME job!

Kyle has shown me fabrication pictures and it's awesome. We'll be seeing more of this car soon. :thumbsup:

It's also really handy that DSE is a few doors down from JR Motorsports.

THanks

Yea its been a secret for a while now,

I went down their for a couple days and got put to work which was really fun teaming up with my dad and doing some body work, must say I was a pretty proud son

Kyle took me for a ride in the test car out to lunch and wow was that fun! then threw me the keys and told me to go take it for a spin...:woot:

I got to go for a tour of JR Motorsports that was REALLY awsome:yes:

then a couple weeks later kyle takes dad over to DEI.....thanks! lol

Paul

ron w

07-06-2007, 08:28 PM

you should be proud your dad did a great job-kyle test car is neat -I drove it one day on the power tour - feels real good at 100-

sixtnine

07-07-2007, 10:11 AM

I had the privledge to see the car in person while it was in a bare metal/ fabrication state. If I remember Kyle said they had ninety days to find the car and complete it. There were multiple guys working on it non-stop.

Steve Chryssos

07-07-2007, 12:17 PM

Very nice. And a good bit flashier than most DSE builds. :thumbsup:

jjarky

07-07-2007, 07:38 PM

Looks great. Really like the wheels. Not a lot of bling, just business.

lil427z

07-07-2007, 08:48 PM

dse is first class. would like to see the car.
rick k:thumbsup:

Datsbad

07-07-2007, 10:16 PM

Sweet car, I saw some pics of it sometime ago , DSE is a great company .
I wonder what the build cost was?

I predict 400,000....anyone else?

skatinjay27

07-07-2007, 11:13 PM

thats is hands down the best 2nd gen ever!!! this was posted at nastyz28 a couple days ago and lots of them were critizing the car and claiming how horrible the front end was, and the gas filler was ugly, and it was too low,and THAT THEY COPIED THE A PILLARS THE F-BOMB car....there was like three other guy that really loved the car, but then agian those guys are members over here also.

notorious1970

07-07-2007, 11:46 PM

Anyone know who did most of the fab work on this?? I know Dan H is working for DSE now.

XcYZ

07-08-2007, 09:21 AM

and THAT THEY COPIED THE A PILLARS THE F-BOMB car...

No, not at all. The A-pillar support brackets are right out of Nascar. So F-Bomb copied Nascar... and Jr's IS Nascar, so who copied who. :)

Sales@Dutchboys

07-08-2007, 09:39 AM

Just wait till you guys seen under the hood!, Dan made a sweet air box deal for it,

And hes making one for me right now, we were going to try and have it for columbus but just didnt work out, so should have it later this summer

Paul

Roger Poirier

07-08-2007, 01:28 PM

Sweet car, I saw some pics of it sometime ago , DSE is a great company .
I wonder what the build cost was?

I predict 400,000....anyone else?

I would thing a little higher. Only because of the time restraints. My understanding is that DSE hired additional help from the outside. You are paying over time and big money for people to come in and get this thing done. My guess around 500,000.

R.P.

DSE

07-08-2007, 01:56 PM

Thanks for everyone's interest in Dale Jr.'s Camaro. It has been an exciting project for us and one that has had a really tight time line. We have a total of 18 weeks in this project including locating and purchasing the original car. Dale Jr. gave us alot of room for creativity with the build, he had a few specific requests including the color of paint (orange is his favorite color), the function, and the stereo system. Yes, he can afford any driveline he wants but decided on an easy, reliable, maintenance free combination that also keeps him safe on his days off. We decided on a 70's era Trans Am Road Race theme with a modern twist. Every single person at DSE has had a hand in this car in some way, it is alot more than body work and special fabrication. Our entire team at DSE built this car along with help from the Van Nus family. You will find many build pictures on our website, we will post them before we leave for Columbus GG. We have just returned from a 60 mile run through the North Carolina back roads checking everything out. The car has our new 2nd Gen. Hydroformed subframe and new 2nd Gen QUADRA Link rear suspension. We are anxious to debut the car at Columbus this week, please stop by the DSE booth and see it. I am usually a silent bystander on this site and others but wanted to give everyone a little more insight to the build and thank everyone for your continued support in the modern muscle car era! Keep motoring. - Kyle

(No, it is much less than $500k)

camcojb

07-08-2007, 02:05 PM

thanks for the info Kyle, and for taking the time to give us some insight on the build. :thumbsup:

Jody

XcYZ

07-08-2007, 02:16 PM

Thanks for chiming in, Kyle. Finding, hauling, stripping, fabricating, prepping, finishing and assembling a car like that in 18 weeks is nothing short of amazing - especially when you consider that you built this car on top of an already extremely busy schedule.

I'd like to see it in person, the pearl orange looks like it would really pop in the sun. I love the stance and everything about it.

The build pics really told the story, I'm looking forward to seeing more. :thumbsup:

GBodyGMachine

07-08-2007, 02:17 PM

That is an awesome car. One of the nicest 2nd Gens I have ever seen.
Good work DSE.
Jeff

Streetking

07-08-2007, 02:20 PM

This car is really trick. Kyle has been sending me pictures during the build. There is alot of work that most will not see, as usual, everything DSE builds is understated..

congrats to everyone involved..:thumbsup:

SW

Ummgawa

07-08-2007, 04:44 PM

If a car could talk, what a story that car could tell. Thanks Kyle for chiming in. You and Stacy are first class and have a first class company.

wiedemab

07-08-2007, 05:34 PM

Good to hear from you Kyle. I can't wait to see the car at Columbus. What time is the unveiling? I may have to get up early on Friday and get there when the gates open.

Short week at work this week - headed to Columbus early on Friday - this will be a fun week! The only thing that would be better is I could finish something to take to the show this year - that's not going to happen.

See you all there!

zcrz

07-08-2007, 07:51 PM

Must be rough to be one of Jeff Gordon's teamates...next year...and be able to afford a bad a$$ car like that!!:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Rybar

07-08-2007, 11:30 PM

Kyle, thanks for the info. It's a great car. It's great to see you on the site, like others have said you put out some top quality projects and parts. :thumbsup:

Martin71RS

07-09-2007, 04:55 AM

This will be yet another boost for 2nd gen popularity! Very cool......

MODO Innovations

07-09-2007, 05:33 AM

This will be yet another boost for 2nd gen popularity! Very cool......

I agree with this, especially when you consider who owns it and who built it.

As always DSE did an oustanding job. Congrats and good luck at Columbus.

Reckley

07-09-2007, 09:31 AM

Looks outstanding. Can't wait to see it. DSE just keeps getting better and better.

DCreations

07-09-2007, 10:32 AM

Badass!!!!! I can't wait for more pics;)

dropit69

07-09-2007, 09:36 PM

another one of JR's rides from a few years ago..hes got great taste
http://www.fquick.com/images/vehicles/full/60251251.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=51251)

Stuart Adams

07-09-2007, 10:14 PM

The more I look at that orange on his camaro the more I like it. Very nice.

Hope to see it at DSE the week after Columbus. DSE :thumbsup: .

69Lt4

07-10-2007, 08:37 AM

Pictures are up on DSE's website. Wow......

skatinjay27

07-10-2007, 10:52 AM

Pictures are up on DSE's website. Wow......good ive been checking everyday for them.

z4me69

07-10-2007, 11:03 AM

where on their site are the pics i cant find them

Sales@Dutchboys

07-10-2007, 11:18 AM

http://www.detroitspeed.com/projectpages/dalejr/dalejr_main.htm

skatinjay27

07-10-2007, 11:57 AM

where on their site are the pics i cant find them
on their front page (new news) or the link above...

Rybar

07-10-2007, 12:29 PM

Love these build shots:

http://www.detroitspeed.com/images/Projects/DALEJR/dalejr-170L.jpg

http://www.detroitspeed.com/images/Projects/DALEJR/dalejr-169L.jpg

z4me69

07-10-2007, 01:48 PM

thanks for the link chevyboy

Sales@Dutchboys

07-10-2007, 01:52 PM

Not a problem!

wow...Look at that paint:thumbsup: lol

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/bridgestone4life/dalejr-337L.jpg

z4me69

07-10-2007, 02:20 PM

after seeing the build pics all i can say is wow words just cant describe that car great job dse

customcam

07-10-2007, 03:34 PM

:hail: im speechless :faint:

steveo346

07-10-2007, 03:47 PM

Love these build shots:

http://www.detroitspeed.com/images/Projects/DALEJR/dalejr-170L.jpg

http://www.detroitspeed.com/images/Projects/DALEJR/dalejr-169L.jpg

I BARELY noticed that is has the r/s and standard park lights i wonder how the hell they did that...i had always thought about but damn it looks sweet...to use the r/s ones as fogs perhaps and the bottm park lamps as they were indended as park lamps....very very nice camaro indeed:woot:

i would give my right testicle for that bad boy:bow:

wiedemab

07-10-2007, 03:50 PM

Look at the build pics a little closer. I think it was mentioned earlier in this thread too. The lower lights are no longer lights. They are brake cooling ducts.

buickfunnycar.com

07-10-2007, 04:02 PM

Car is SICK,SICK,SICK!

Singlehandedly brought the 2nd generation Camaro to the forefront...seemingly overnight.

Thanks Jr...now everyone's gonna want to do one!:_paranoid

XcYZ

07-10-2007, 04:20 PM

I've been hinting at 2nd Gens for a few months now. ;) I knew that between the quality that DSE is known for coupled with one of the biggest names in sports would make for huge publicity.

Isn't it cool. :thumbsup:

Slammer

07-10-2007, 04:20 PM

SICK! i love it, the olour suits it well. :yes:

MODO Innovations

07-10-2007, 04:34 PM

This car is awesome.:faint:

DSE has done it again.:hail:

Tim Baillie

07-10-2007, 07:59 PM

http://www.detroitspeed.com/projectpages/dalejr/dalejr_main.htm

You can't just put up a link like that with out putting a disclaimer or warning that you are about to enter the land of hardcore car porn and you may have sexual movements based on the content of said link.............. :cheers:

With that being said, that is one of the baddest ass dashes I have ever seen..........that car is SO clean it's insane............I love the interior mods and stereo integration into the car.

:hail:

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm..................gots me a few changes to make on the Regal now..........................

XcYZ

07-10-2007, 08:22 PM

Is this start button out of a Viper? I'm pretty sure I've seen this (or something very similar) before, but not sure where. I've been thinking about doing something like that with my car.

http://www.detroitspeed.com/images/Projects/DALEJR/dalejr-437L.jpg

zbugger

07-10-2007, 08:34 PM

Looks like the start button off a Honda S2000. I kinda like the touch.

Stuart Adams

07-10-2007, 08:36 PM

Only fitting having a Sony stereo system after he just signed a huge deal with Sony. Bad ass car for sure.

Scott, I like the engine start button also. The more you look the more ya like.

XcYZ

07-10-2007, 08:39 PM

Allen, you're right, that is an S2000 start button. I'm liking it... much fancier than the temporary start button I'm using now.

L8ONBRAKE

07-10-2007, 10:54 PM

Looking at that car makes me feel inadequate......

yellowrallys

07-10-2007, 11:50 PM

How about those "no name" Fikse's? Gotta be careful with those endorsement deals. :unibrow:
Super slick car, built by the best in the business.

HotRod68Camaro

07-11-2007, 07:48 AM

this car is officially my all time favorite build. :thumbsup: Makes me wish i hadnt passed up a 2nd gen i was looking at a few months ago.

Martin71RS

07-11-2007, 12:03 PM

and just to show that great minds think alike:

http://www.pro-touring.nl/camaro/firewall07.jpg

:D

mlomaka

07-12-2007, 05:41 AM

Great car! Nice attention to detail. Everything from bigger tail lights to the combination of three different front end styles (but with out the extension). I have really liked a lot of their stuff, but this one is definetly up there.

OLDFLM72

07-12-2007, 10:51 AM

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE CAR!!!! But, why is the underhood light gray/silver? Is it a traditional "Trans Am" thing?
I think it would have looked better with a satin or semi-glass black (like Penny)... or match the stripe color... Am I the only one? Just one too many colors for me... but then again I probably have the biggest beater/driver/PT wannabe on the board so what do I know... JMHO ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE CAR!!!! Wish I had the funds to have DSE do half of what they did to Jr's car to my 71 Formula...
V/R,
Ty

70gotboost

07-12-2007, 10:55 AM

Why is the underhood light gray/silver?

it's a NASCAR thing.... most all the cars engine compartments and undercarriages are that color. Why??? I don't know?!!

wiedemab

07-12-2007, 11:04 AM

70gotboost

07-12-2007, 11:16 AM

Maybe it's a cleanliness thing. You know - to find any leaks etc. I can see where if everything was a dark color it might be hard to see to work under the hood too.

I'm basically just making up reasons, so if anyone knows the real reason why a lot of race cars (NASCAR) are white under the hood please fill me in.

I just spoke with the powers that be at one particular race shop and asked why they use that color, here is what they told me... and I quote...

"We've used that color since the beginning of our inception. Why, I don't know. It's a PPG color called "Chassis Gray". We've used it when we raced at a previous shop and just carried it over when we started this deal. Maybe the car owner wanted it?? Don't really know..."

So there you have it in a nut shell... why do they use it? 'Cause they just always have.:unibrow:

XcYZ

07-12-2007, 11:19 AM

I just spoke with the powers that be at one particular race shop

You have the coolest job, Kevin. :woot:

68protouring454

07-12-2007, 12:16 PM

to easily spot stress areas and cracks in welds and tube, it will show instantly in the grey, then compared to a dark color

Smack_talker

07-14-2007, 01:15 AM

It is nice to see some of the nascar guys, with an interest in nice cars. I know Tony Stewart was trying to buy some cars at Barret Jackson and Jimmie Johnson has a few, and now Dale Jr. I'm sure there are more I have not heard about.

Sweet camaro. I like the gas cap on the body.

Rodger

I think Jeff Gordon has got some nice Chevy muscle too. As far as Jr's car...it looks awesome. Can we get a test ride in it?

LL CUSTOM

07-14-2007, 06:42 AM

I think it will have a very good shot at Columbus. Of the other's I have seen that will possibly make a showing [ the Ring brother's, Alloway ect.] I think it has the cleanest exacuetion. Not a lot of bling and extra dodad's. I like it very much. And hopefully it will be more about the car and not JR's PR group.
The car and the shop that built it deserve to be judged on their own merit:yes: :yes: you all have a great day :thumbsup: later Larry
www.llcustomperformance.com

syborg tt

07-18-2007, 08:22 AM

I think it has the cleanest exacuetion. Not a lot of bling and extra dodad's.

I would have to say that this car was one of my favorite cars. Very well down and they even have a webiste that show's the complete build of the car.

There are plenty of over the top idea's in the car without all of the bling bling. Just look at the website and you can see all of the craftmanship that went into this project.

Heck this car made me go out and buy a 2nd gen Camaro yesterday.